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Paper Talk: Neuer, Feghouli, Icardi, Gundogan in Prem links

Date published: Friday 4th March 2016 12:17

Liverpool want to sign Sofiane Feghouli, Manchester United are on the trail of Mauro Icardi, while Manchester City have been linked with both Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Neuer, according to Friday’s newspapers.

LIVERPOOL AIM TO BEAT UNITED TO VALENCIA STAR

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli, according to reports.

The Algerian winger has been linked with a move away from Spain at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Manchester United are said to be interested in him but the Reds are keen to beat their rivals to his signature, according to Spanish publication Don Balon.

The report claims Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma also want to secure his services.

UNITED BATTLE CHELSEA FOR ICARDI

Manchester United are reportedly ready to battle Chelsea over the signing of Mauro Icardi, according to reports in Italy.

The Inter Milan striker has been in fine form for the Serie A side this term, netting 11 times.

CITY TARGET ‘DREAM’ NEUER DEAL….

Manager Guardiola is planning a major squad overhaul when he takes over in the summer.

Having a ‘sweeper-keeper’ who is good with his feet is a key part of his philosophy, and the Spaniard is determined to have one as his last line of defence at City.

And that could spell bad news for England No 1 Hart if the new boss feels he doesn’t fit the bill, as Neuer, Guardiola’s current Bayern Munich stopper, certainly does.

He would be the Spaniard’s top choice to come in if he decides to target a new keeper, and City are keeping an eye on the German international’s situation at Bayern.

The 29 year-old still has three years left to run on his current deal, but initial discussions have already been held about an improved contract.

Neuer is understood to be after a pay-rise which would see his wages increase to around a huge £300,000-a-week — almost double what Bayern’s current top-earners get.

Big-spending City could meet such wage demands, but persuading Bayern to sell would be the bigger hurdle.

If the Blues can’t land Neuer and Hart is unable to convince Guardiola he has what it takes to play as required, the former Barca boss is prepared to look elsewhere.

…AND ALSO EYE GUNDOGAN SIGNING

City are also emerging as the favoured choice for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

The 25-year-old Germany international has turned down Dortmund’s offers of a contract extension and has one year remaining.

Though sporting director Michael Zorc has said he is willing to be patient over Gundogan’s future, it is understood Dortmund would prefer to have a decision by the end of this month.

Juventus, Barcelona and Arsenal have all expressed interest but Gundogan is keen on the idea of playing under Pep Guardiola in the Premier League.

The player stated publicly this week that there was ‘nothing new to report’ on his contract situation as he looks to see out the season with a flourish and Dortmund having closed the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to five points.

Last month Dortmund rejected rumours in the Spanish media that Gundogan had already reached an agreement with City. Dortmund replied on Twitter: ‘Really? We should know about that, shouldn’t we? Truth is, we don’t know anything about that.’

However, the prospect of being part of Guardiola’s new adventure is alluring to Gundogan who has shown glimpses of his old form following his recovery from back injuries. He has made 35 appearances for club and country this season.

Dortmund will sell this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.

City are refusing to be drawn on links with potential new players as they focus on finishing the season strongly under Manuel Pellegrini despite Wednesday’s defeat at Liverpool.

AND THE REST

Manuel Pellegrini has been offered the Zenit St Petersburg job when he leaves Manchester City but he has still not ruled out staying in England with Newcastle emerging as a surprise contender for his signature (Daily Mail)

Chelsea reportedly sent scouts to watch Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 22, for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter Milan (Daily Express)

Turkish side Galatasaray have denied they have received an offer from Tottenham for 29-year-old Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (London Evening Standard)

Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, 29, but the Colombia international’s agent says he is happy in Italy (Daily Express)

Neymar has emphatically dismissed any chance of a future move to Manchester City – declaring he even prefers Real Madrid over them (The Sun)

Manchester United’s Uruguayan defender Guillermo Varela says he asked to leave the club in January but the 22-year-old was asked to stay by manager Louis van Gaal (Metro)

Steve McClaren has lost the faith of the Newcastle dressing room and will be sacked if the Magpies lose at home to Bournemouth on Saturday (Daily Mail)

Italy are considering a shock move to make Claudio Ranieri their new coach after Euro 2016 (Daily Express)

Alexis Sanchez says Arsenal have lost their hunger for the Premier League title (Daily Express)

Javier Hernandez has revealed that he still keeps in regular contact with Sir Alex Ferguson (Daily Express)

Aston Villa’s relegation-bound squad is split damagingly into two factions with many of the longer-serving players openly questioning manager Remi Garde’s reluctance to challenge or criticise any of the squad in the aftermath of defeats (Daily Telegraph)

Manchester United and Manchester City could become engaged in a direct transfer battle this summer after they both identified West Ham United’s Angelo Ogbonna as a potential solution to their defensive problems (The Times)